Louvain Rees ⚰️
@hellohistoria.bsky.social
BBC award-winning Social Historian ✍️
Death, Wales & Psychiatry 💀
Glamorgan County Lunatic Asylum 🧠
Workhouses | Poor Law | Lunacy 🧠
🥇BBC History Extra '30 under 30' 📚
📍Cardiff | views are my own • she/her
🔗 www.linktr.ee/louvainrees
Death, Wales & Psychiatry 💀
Glamorgan County Lunatic Asylum 🧠
Workhouses | Poor Law | Lunacy 🧠
🥇BBC History Extra '30 under 30' 📚
📍Cardiff | views are my own • she/her
🔗 www.linktr.ee/louvainrees
Pinned
PSA 📢
A lot of my research is centred around death, psychiatry, and mental health history.
Please be aware that some of my posts may be upsetting or uncomfortable to read.
Please keep this in mind when reading my posts
✨️
A lot of my research is centred around death, psychiatry, and mental health history.
Please be aware that some of my posts may be upsetting or uncomfortable to read.
Please keep this in mind when reading my posts
✨️
Reposted by Louvain Rees ⚰️
Miner’s daughter carries a young girl in her arms during the 1921 national coal strike, photo by Hal Morey, American photographer.
November 18, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Miner’s daughter carries a young girl in her arms during the 1921 national coal strike, photo by Hal Morey, American photographer.
Reposted by Louvain Rees ⚰️
When will my husband return from sea?
November 18, 2025 at 1:03 PM
When will my husband return from sea?
Reposted by Louvain Rees ⚰️
1620: seeking predictions from an angel, Richard Napier asks whether one of his clients will 'live long & prosp[er]' #earlymodern 🖖
![Manuscript image showing part of a paragraph that reads: 'wheather Mr John Monson hayre to Sir Th shall live long & prosp[er] & attayne to honour & good & a happy mariage', then, added later in a darker ink (but not shown in the image): 'he shall'. (NOTE6839 in the online edition.)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:k254wppy2ojyxlyxgi2odu5z/bafkreid5dg4nfnubkseed4f762m3mngvzupzzf4kqfcmdudv7yahs7hoq4@jpeg)
November 17, 2025 at 3:36 PM
1620: seeking predictions from an angel, Richard Napier asks whether one of his clients will 'live long & prosp[er]' #earlymodern 🖖
#MementoMoriMonday 💀
'Here lies John Renie' 🪦
📍St Mary's Priory • Monmouth ⛪️
This has to be one of my favourite gravestones.
It reads 'Here lies John Renie' approximately 45,760 times.
#Wales #History
'Here lies John Renie' 🪦
📍St Mary's Priory • Monmouth ⛪️
This has to be one of my favourite gravestones.
It reads 'Here lies John Renie' approximately 45,760 times.
#Wales #History
November 17, 2025 at 6:52 PM
#MementoMoriMonday 💀
'Here lies John Renie' 🪦
📍St Mary's Priory • Monmouth ⛪️
This has to be one of my favourite gravestones.
It reads 'Here lies John Renie' approximately 45,760 times.
#Wales #History
'Here lies John Renie' 🪦
📍St Mary's Priory • Monmouth ⛪️
This has to be one of my favourite gravestones.
It reads 'Here lies John Renie' approximately 45,760 times.
#Wales #History
I'm supposed to be taking it easy, but I've spent the day compiling all the patient numbers for the case files I need to review during an archives visit.
When Glamorgan County Asylum was over capacity, they sent patients to the Abergavenny Asylum.
So my next port of call is Gwent Archives 📚
When Glamorgan County Asylum was over capacity, they sent patients to the Abergavenny Asylum.
So my next port of call is Gwent Archives 📚
November 17, 2025 at 6:13 PM
I'm supposed to be taking it easy, but I've spent the day compiling all the patient numbers for the case files I need to review during an archives visit.
When Glamorgan County Asylum was over capacity, they sent patients to the Abergavenny Asylum.
So my next port of call is Gwent Archives 📚
When Glamorgan County Asylum was over capacity, they sent patients to the Abergavenny Asylum.
So my next port of call is Gwent Archives 📚
Oo! Thank you!
No but if you’re interested in that subject you should follow @hellohistoria.bsky.social!
November 17, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Oo! Thank you!
Reposted by Louvain Rees ⚰️
Shout out to the original Louvain 💪🏻
November 17, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Shout out to the original Louvain 💪🏻
Reposted by Louvain Rees ⚰️
Here's an example of one of his many lies:
At one point, during WW2, he was in America pretending to be a veteran and giving talks at schools.
At one point, during WW2, he was in America pretending to be a veteran and giving talks at schools.
November 17, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Here's an example of one of his many lies:
At one point, during WW2, he was in America pretending to be a veteran and giving talks at schools.
At one point, during WW2, he was in America pretending to be a veteran and giving talks at schools.
My great-grandfather did this during WW2. He used various military uniforms to bamboozle people.
Man charged after ‘fake admiral’ seen at Remembrance Sunday event
Man charged after ‘fake admiral’ seen at Remembrance Sunday event
Jonathan Carley, 64, charged with unlawfully wearing uniform of armed forces
A man has been charged has been charged over allegedly dressing up as an admiral during a Remembrance Sunday event.
North Wales police said they made an arrest after a man was spotted wearing “the uniform and medals of a high-ranking navy officer” during a wreath-laying service in Llandudno, Conwy, on Sunday 9 November. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:36 PM
My great-grandfather did this during WW2. He used various military uniforms to bamboozle people.
Reposted by Louvain Rees ⚰️
I'm excited to share that the latest episode of 'Gone Medieval' podcast features the Shropshire Witches! We talked about medieval ghosts and all things spooky! Teenage me would be pinching herself!
open.spotify.com/episode/303k...
#history #halloween #medieval #folklore #medievalist
open.spotify.com/episode/303k...
#history #halloween #medieval #folklore #medievalist
Medieval Hallowe'en
open.spotify.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:48 AM
I'm excited to share that the latest episode of 'Gone Medieval' podcast features the Shropshire Witches! We talked about medieval ghosts and all things spooky! Teenage me would be pinching herself!
open.spotify.com/episode/303k...
#history #halloween #medieval #folklore #medievalist
open.spotify.com/episode/303k...
#history #halloween #medieval #folklore #medievalist
Reposted by Louvain Rees ⚰️
Join @folklorewales.com and I as we discuss the Welsh Fairy book and some of the wonderful tales within on the latest episode of Time between Times storytelling podcast . Be lovely to see you at the firepit
#owenstaton #storytelling #fairies
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
#owenstaton #storytelling #fairies
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
Time between Times Storytelling with Owen Staton. The Wonders of the Welsh Fairy book with Dr Delyth Badder
Podcast Episode · Time Between Times Storytelling with Owen Staton · 16/11/2025 · 42m
podcasts.apple.com
November 16, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Join @folklorewales.com and I as we discuss the Welsh Fairy book and some of the wonderful tales within on the latest episode of Time between Times storytelling podcast . Be lovely to see you at the firepit
#owenstaton #storytelling #fairies
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
#owenstaton #storytelling #fairies
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
This now sits on my bookshelf. It's one of my most prized possessions ❤️
November 16, 2025 at 9:44 PM
This now sits on my bookshelf. It's one of my most prized possessions ❤️
Reposted by Louvain Rees ⚰️
My dad was a crime reporter on the Luton News in 1975.
Just a couple of the highlights from just one page of a British Newspaper Archive search 😆
Just a couple of the highlights from just one page of a British Newspaper Archive search 😆
November 14, 2025 at 9:42 AM
My dad was a crime reporter on the Luton News in 1975.
Just a couple of the highlights from just one page of a British Newspaper Archive search 😆
Just a couple of the highlights from just one page of a British Newspaper Archive search 😆
Reposted by Louvain Rees ⚰️
A quick update, because writing about my book was easier than actually writing the book today 🥊🤜🏻🤛🏾
Okay, back in the attic she goes...
grapplingwithhistory.com/2025/11/15/t...
Okay, back in the attic she goes...
grapplingwithhistory.com/2025/11/15/t...
Bruisers, Boozers, and Bear Tamers: THE DEVIL’S DANCEFLOOR will be published by Duckworth in October 2026
My first book, which explores the ‘dying days’ of bareknuckle boxing and the story of a rapidly changing London through biographies of Hezekiah Moscow and seven other 1880s boxers, will be publishe…
grapplingwithhistory.com
November 15, 2025 at 3:20 PM
A quick update, because writing about my book was easier than actually writing the book today 🥊🤜🏻🤛🏾
Okay, back in the attic she goes...
grapplingwithhistory.com/2025/11/15/t...
Okay, back in the attic she goes...
grapplingwithhistory.com/2025/11/15/t...
Reposted by Louvain Rees ⚰️
In 1887, a large beacon or bonfire was built upon the Twmbarlwm above Risca to celebrate the Jubilee of Queen Victoria. This fantastic photo shows a large group of men, women and children standing on and around the beacon.
November 5, 2025 at 12:15 PM
In 1887, a large beacon or bonfire was built upon the Twmbarlwm above Risca to celebrate the Jubilee of Queen Victoria. This fantastic photo shows a large group of men, women and children standing on and around the beacon.
Reposted by Louvain Rees ⚰️
Born in January 1919 and raised in #Brynmawr, Roy Francis went on to become one of Rugby League’s greatest coaches and the first black professional head coach in Great Britain. Living along King Street with his parents Lionel and Rebecca, he attended Brynmawr Infants School in 1922.
November 14, 2025 at 12:37 PM
Born in January 1919 and raised in #Brynmawr, Roy Francis went on to become one of Rugby League’s greatest coaches and the first black professional head coach in Great Britain. Living along King Street with his parents Lionel and Rebecca, he attended Brynmawr Infants School in 1922.
Reposted by Louvain Rees ⚰️
On this day, in 1897, Aneurin Bevan was born in Tredegar. In an entry from, 31st May 1918 Bevan appears for being a conscientious objector during the First World War.
November 15, 2025 at 10:01 AM
On this day, in 1897, Aneurin Bevan was born in Tredegar. In an entry from, 31st May 1918 Bevan appears for being a conscientious objector during the First World War.
Reposted by Louvain Rees ⚰️
Our 'Outside the Asylum' display is situated outside the museum's entrance doors. You can find out about some of the people who were admitted to the asylum, and view artefacts once hidden in our collection which help to build a picture of their lives as patients. #HistPsych
November 3, 2025 at 9:57 AM
Our 'Outside the Asylum' display is situated outside the museum's entrance doors. You can find out about some of the people who were admitted to the asylum, and view artefacts once hidden in our collection which help to build a picture of their lives as patients. #HistPsych
Trying my best not to do work while I am on 'rest'.
Can anyone recommend any shows/films/series to distract me? ✨️
Can anyone recommend any shows/films/series to distract me? ✨️
November 15, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Trying my best not to do work while I am on 'rest'.
Can anyone recommend any shows/films/series to distract me? ✨️
Can anyone recommend any shows/films/series to distract me? ✨️
Reposted by Louvain Rees ⚰️
I cannot offer you a big Black Friday deal (though if my inbox is anything to go by, nobody can - up to 20% off, ooh) but my forthcoming book has a small discount and a pre-order hugely helps with it getting stocked come release day🙏
uk.bookshop.org/p/books/get-...
uk.bookshop.org/p/books/get-...
Get Ahead of Being Dead: Your Handy Planner for the End of Life
Your Handy Planner for the End of Life
uk.bookshop.org
November 14, 2025 at 9:33 AM
I cannot offer you a big Black Friday deal (though if my inbox is anything to go by, nobody can - up to 20% off, ooh) but my forthcoming book has a small discount and a pre-order hugely helps with it getting stocked come release day🙏
uk.bookshop.org/p/books/get-...
uk.bookshop.org/p/books/get-...
Reposted by Louvain Rees ⚰️
London folks: come to @miskatonicihs.bsky.social on 9 December to hear Headpress Press Officer @harbottlestores.bsky.social talk about the history of the asylum on film.
#histpsych #horror #session9 #historyofhorror #horrorstudies
Tickets: miskatonicinstitute.com/events/the-a...
#histpsych #horror #session9 #historyofhorror #horrorstudies
Tickets: miskatonicinstitute.com/events/the-a...
"And where do you live, Simon"? The Asylum and its Patients on Film - The Miskatonic Institute of Horror Studies
Exploring film, folklore, and media, this lecture asks why female rage is pathologised while male violence remains disturbingly normalised.
miskatonicinstitute.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:50 AM
London folks: come to @miskatonicihs.bsky.social on 9 December to hear Headpress Press Officer @harbottlestores.bsky.social talk about the history of the asylum on film.
#histpsych #horror #session9 #historyofhorror #horrorstudies
Tickets: miskatonicinstitute.com/events/the-a...
#histpsych #horror #session9 #historyofhorror #horrorstudies
Tickets: miskatonicinstitute.com/events/the-a...
Reposted by Louvain Rees ⚰️
This set of 6 instruments belonged to William Walker, the first Ophthalmic Surgeon to be appointed to the Royal Infirmary and held the appointment of Surgeon Oculist to Queen Victoria. The case includes some corneal splitting knives and an iris hook.
November 3, 2025 at 12:01 PM
This set of 6 instruments belonged to William Walker, the first Ophthalmic Surgeon to be appointed to the Royal Infirmary and held the appointment of Surgeon Oculist to Queen Victoria. The case includes some corneal splitting knives and an iris hook.
Reposted by Louvain Rees ⚰️
We have lots of student notebooks containing sketches on anatomy, diseases etc, however, this one is by far our favourite. It shows Joseph Lister, father of antiseptic surgery, disappearing through a trapdoor after his lecture in Glasgow in 1868. Now that's how to make an exit!
#Museum30 #Sketchbook
#Museum30 #Sketchbook
November 4, 2025 at 12:02 PM
We have lots of student notebooks containing sketches on anatomy, diseases etc, however, this one is by far our favourite. It shows Joseph Lister, father of antiseptic surgery, disappearing through a trapdoor after his lecture in Glasgow in 1868. Now that's how to make an exit!
#Museum30 #Sketchbook
#Museum30 #Sketchbook